ABS-CBN’s child wonder Zaijian Jaranilla is mostly remembered as the cute “Miracle Boy” called Santino, the young and innocent orphan who was adopted by the priests and has the ability to speak directly to God in his high-rated Christian-themed show “May Bukas Pa” in 2009.
If you can still remember, the child star started his showbiz career in 2008, as a cast member of the children-themed sketch comedy show “Goin’ Bulilit” broadcast on and created by ABS-CBN network.
Aside from that, he also played as the younger versions of male leads in ABS-CBN programs such as, I Love Betty La Fea and Komiks Presents: Tiny Tony.
Now, it’s been almost 10 years ago when his role as Santino captured the hearts of the Filipino viewers. Who will forget the role of this innocent looking boy, who was able to heal other people and gave life pointers to other people who are lost in their life and losing their faith in God.
During that time, this show was at the top of the ratings in the primetime block and lasted for a year, which is a rare feat for a show and also penned different stories with different guest stars featured in 38 chapters. Some of the guest stars include the veteran actors like Susan Roces, Lotlot De Leon, Gloria Sevilla, and Dolphy and newcomers during that time, Ejay Falcon and Janna Dominguez.
At a young age, Zaijian already earned numerous award from ASAP Pop Viewers’ Choice Awards, PMPC Star Awards for Television, 8th Gawad Tanglaw, and 41st GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards.
He also played lead characters in shows like (2010), Ikaw ang Pag-ibig (2011), Lorenzo’s Time (2012), and Hawak Kamay (2014), when his famous show “May bukas pa” ended.
The young actor also showcases his acting range in drama anthologies like Maalaala Mo Kaya and Wansapanataym.
In some of his interviews, he said that he is really looking forward to play edgier roles.
In fact, he had some roles that is out of his usual league like playing a street beggar in the internationally-acclaimed Cinema One Originals entry “Hamog”. He also guested in an episode in the legal-themed anthology show “Ipaglaban Mo” together with Bugoy Cariño.
His last role so far was in the hit 2018 Philippine television drama and fantasy series “Bagani”, together with his co-stars, Enrique Gil, Liza Soberano, Matteo Guidicelli and Makisig Morales.
In this show, Zaijian played the role of ‘Liksi”, a slave from the Trade Region, who wishes to be a Bagani someday.
From his first journey as a cute little boy, Zaijian has grown and transformed into a brilliant actor today. It appears that the 17-year-old actor is now ready to take some new and mature roles that will further harness his skills as an actor.